It's official, `visiting VC' was out of office for 609 out of 1,583 days

It's official now! Nagpur University vice chancellor SN Pathan has remained out of the office for almost two years during his tenure of

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four-and-a-half-years. This shocking piece of statistic was revealed by the university in reply to a query by a Senate member on Tuesday. The figures validate the `visiting VC' designation given to Pathan by some university employees and academic circles.

According to the details given by the assistant registrar (establishment), in the last four-and-a-half-years, the VC was not in office for 609 out of 1,583 days (including Sundays, second and fourth Saturdays and public holidays). The registrar further informed that out of these 609 days, Pathan remained outside the university's jurisdiction for 270 days on `official' work, and with the chancellor's permission for another 198 days. He was out for 48 days on official work in six districts under the university's jurisdiction. He has also taken 60 earned leaves and 33 casual leaves during his tenure till November 15, informs the university.

These figures were released in response to query No. 57 on the Senate agenda by member Mohan Bajpayee, who sought details about Pathan's absence. Though the question will come up for discussion on Wednesday, the Senate members were apparently upset over the long periods of absence. The members are expected to corner the VC on his close affinity to his native place Pune and his poor administration. The debate is slated to be stormy considering its personal nature.

In fact, when the question came up for clearance before a panel led by Pathan, he was furious about it, and said that he was at par with the chancellor. He pointed out that when the latter goes for a visit, he hands over charge of the state to a VC, members said. He also charged the members with getting too personal, and claimed all his visits were for `official' purpose only.

Senate members claim that Pathan's tenure has been a disaster for the 85-year-old institution, with the chancellor accusing him of favouring a candidate and a host of controversies like BPEd scam and roster scam. His handling of sensitive issues like the university's 70-acre land from the state government came under severe criticism from all quarters. The NAAC gave the university a poor `B' grade, despite Pathan spending over Rs 2 crore, including Rs 66 lakh for building a gate, for beautifying the campus. He has failed to improve the pathetic quality of hostels and has left a large number of posts vacant.

Where has he been?

Outside university's jurisdiction on official visits “ 270

With chancellor's permission ” 198

Inside university's jurisdiction ” 48

Earned leaves ” 60

Casual leaves ” 33